TikTok Carousel Maker: Create Photo Carousels for Free
TikTok photo carousels are one of the highest-engagement formats on the platform: they get shared more than videos and the algorithm re-shows them on the For You Page. Build up to 35 vertical slides below, no signup, no watermarks.
Quick-Start Templates
Slides (3/35)
Editing Slide 1
Design Settings
Live Preview (9:16 Vertical)
Slide Title
Export
Tip: Upload your images to TikTok by tapping the + button, selecting “Photos”, and choosing your slides in order. Add a trending sound for extra reach. Use a scheduler to post at the times you pick.
Why TikTok Photo Carousels Are Blowing Up
TikTok photo carousels have become one of the highest-performing content formats on the platform. Unlike videos, carousels get shared at significantly higher rates because they are easy to screenshot, save, and send to friends. The TikTok algorithm also re-shows carousel posts on the For You Page multiple times, giving each post more chances to go viral.
The rise of carousels reflects a broader shift: not everything needs to be a video. Educational content, listicles, recipes, outfit ideas, and storytelling posts often work better as swipeable images. Creators who add carousels to their content mix see higher overall engagement across their profile.
If you are building a presence on TikTok, photo carousels should be a regular part of your content strategy. Pair them with trending sounds and strong hashtags using our hashtag generator for maximum discoverability.
How to Create a TikTok Photo Carousel
- Plan your content. Decide on a topic and break it into 5-10 slides. Use our AI content generator to brainstorm carousel ideas.
- Create a killer hook. Your first slide determines whether someone swipes. Use bold text, a strong claim, or an intriguing question.
- Design your slides. Use the carousel maker above. Keep text large and bold. TikTok is a mobile-first platform and text must be readable on small screens.
- Keep slides concise. One idea per slide. Aim for under 20 words per slide for TikTok's fast-scrolling audience.
- End with a CTA. Tell viewers to follow, save, share, or check your bio link.
- Export and upload. Download your slides as 1080x1920 PNG images. On TikTok, tap +, select Photos, choose your images in order, add a sound, write a caption with hashtags, and post.
TikTok Carousel Best Practices for 2026
- Use 5-10 slides. Enough to tell a complete story without losing attention. TikTok supports up to 35 but shorter carousels tend to perform better.
- Go vertical (9:16). TikTok is a vertical platform. Always use 1080x1920 for full-screen impact.
- Make slide 1 unmissable. Bold text, contrasting colors, and a curiosity gap. This is your thumbnail in the feed.
- Add a trending sound. TikTok carousels can include background music. Using a trending sound boosts discoverability through the algorithm.
- Use text overlays wisely. Keep text large (40px+ equivalent) since most viewers are on mobile screens.
- Include a swipe indicator. Add “Swipe →” or an arrow on your first slide to signal there is more content.
- Post consistently. TikTok rewards frequency. Mix carousels with videos using a social media scheduler and content calendar.
- Repurpose across platforms. Your TikTok carousel can become an Instagram carousel (adjust to 4:5 ratio) or a LinkedIn carousel (adjust to 1:1). Use cross-posting to share everywhere.
- Leverage hashtags. Use 3-5 targeted hashtags. Mix broad reach tags with niche-specific ones for the best results.
- Engage in comments. Reply to comments quickly to boost the algorithm signal and encourage more interaction.
TikTok Carousel Dimensions & Specs
| Spec | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Slide dimensions | 1080 x 1920 px (9:16 vertical, required) |
| File format | JPG or PNG (each slide as individual image) |
| Max slides | 35 images per carousel |
| Min slides | 2 images minimum |
| Recommended slides | 5-10 slides for optimal engagement |
| Music | Optional, can add from TikTok sound library |
| Text overlays | Can be added in TikTok editor after upload |
For all platform dimensions, see our social media image sizes reference.
Related Pages
How to Use the TikTok Carousel Maker
Add your slides
Choose a template or start from scratch. Write a title and body for each slide. TikTok supports up to 35 slides per carousel.
Customize the design
Pick a background color, adjust font size, and add your TikTok handle. Preview changes in real time at 9:16 vertical ratio.
Export and post
Download all slides as 1080x1920 PNG images. Upload to TikTok via Photos mode, add a trending sound, and publish.
TikTok Carousel Maker FAQ
How many slides can a TikTok carousel have?
TikTok photo carousels support 2 to 35 images. For optimal engagement, 5-10 slides tends to be the sweet spot, enough to provide value without losing attention. Each slide should communicate one clear idea.
What size should TikTok carousel images be?
TikTok carousel images should be 1080x1920 pixels (9:16 vertical ratio), the same dimensions as TikTok videos. This ensures your images fill the entire screen on mobile devices for maximum visual impact.
Do TikTok carousels get good engagement?
Yes. TikTok photo carousels are among the highest-engagement formats on the platform. They get shared more than videos because they're easy to screenshot and save. The algorithm also re-shows them on the For You Page, giving each carousel multiple chances at virality.
Can I add music to TikTok carousels?
Yes. When posting a photo carousel on TikTok, you can add background music from TikTok's sound library. Adding a trending sound can significantly boost discoverability since the algorithm promotes content using popular audio.
What content works best for TikTok carousels?
Educational content, listicles, recipes, outfit inspiration, travel guides, before/after reveals, and storytelling posts all perform exceptionally well as TikTok carousels. The key is a strong hook on slide 1 that makes people want to swipe through.
How do I post a carousel on TikTok?
Open TikTok, tap the + button at the bottom, select 'Photos' at the bottom of the camera screen, choose your images in the correct order, optionally add text overlays and stickers, select a background sound, write your caption with hashtags, and tap Post.